This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:14:40
The YouTube video discusses the challenges and importance of testing power supplies for efficiency and reliability, particularly focusing on budget models like the Thermaltake Smart series and EVGA models. Issues such as power factor correction, voltage stability, and safety measures are highlighted through demonstrations and tests. Recommendations are made based on the testing results, emphasizing the need for thorough evaluation beyond basic specifications. The video aims to help viewers make informed decisions when selecting a power supply and hints at future content focusing on testing methodologies and repair kits.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the presenter discusses the challenges of accurately testing power supplies due to the high cost of equipment and expertise required. They mention relying on community resources like the LTT Forum power supply tier list for recommendations, but not always getting it right. The focus is on testing the Smart series from Thermaltake and providing recommendations for budget gamers. The testing setup includes the addition of oscilloscopes for more advanced and accurate testing, ensuring that power supplies meet ATX specifications for optimal performance. The goal is to test various models to create a baseline and offer confident recommendations efficiently.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the importance of making information readable for non-robots and notes that extra wire length can affect voltage readings. They introduce contenders for quality power supplies, focusing on EVGA 450br and Thermaltake Smart 600 models. Despite the Thermaltake’s higher wattage on the box, it falls short in actual performance compared to the EVGA model. The EVGA model also shows slightly better efficiency. The main concern with budget power supplies is reliability, which will be tested through various assessments.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker demonstrates the importance of short circuit testing in power supplies to prevent fire hazards by showcasing what happens when wires touch each other leading to a short circuit. They also discuss over current protection testing where power supplies are assessed for their ability to deliver power before shutting off. It’s highlighted that while some power supplies, like the Corsair unit, perform well in delivering a high amperage, others like the Thermaltake Smart 600 suffer from voltage drops. The segment emphasizes the significance of overpower protection to safeguard the entire unit under maximum load, noting that while it worked for all units tested, failure to reset after tripping is considered a fail, as seen with the Thermaltake Smart 600.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the focus is on the EVGA 400n1 power supply. It emphasizes the importance of power factor correction (PFC) in power supplies. The EVGA 400n1 is criticized for having the worst power factor correction tested, with a power factor of about 0.5 compared to the expected 0.99. This inefficiency leads to power wastage and strain on the power grid. Additionally, the AC to DC conversion efficiency of the EVGA 400n1 is significantly worse than the recommended 450 BR. The video also highlights that after an overpower protection test, the EVGA 400n1 failed to turn back on, raising concerns about its reliability. The conclusion warns viewers against trusting this particular power supply model.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the importance of power supply testing and how manufacturers may not always be reliable. Emphasis is placed on the need for more in-depth testing beyond basic efficiency and safety measures. Budget power supplies are highlighted, with specific models like Thermaltake Smart 600 and EVGA 400n1 performing poorly in tests. The EVGA 450br showed better performance. The speaker anticipates refining testing methods to determine the best power supply based on various factors like voltage stability and noise interference. An iFixit sponsorship is also mentioned, promoting their Pro Tech kit for electronics repair. The video hints at future content focusing on power supply testing methodologies and the importance of understanding how they work.